Deserved more: CR7

Brasilia: Portugal coach Paulo Bento has decided not to radically overhaul his ageing team after their World Cup first round exit although the decision may be partly due to a lack of suitable alternatives.

“I will never, in my professional life as a coach, close the doors for people who have fought so hard to conquer a space in the squad,” he told reporters after a 2-1 win over Ghana turned out to be in vain.

The bitter truth, however, was that despite the presence of World Player of the Year Ronaldo, Portugal looked fairly ordinary.

But the strike against Ghana was too little, too late from Ronaldo, who was downbeat as he trudged off the pitch after the final whistle.

“We created many opportunities but we could not finish them,” Ronaldo said. “We deserved more, but that’s football. We are leaving with our heads held high.”(Agencies)